Yes, You Can Repair A Washerless Faucet

July 21, 1989|By Bernard Gladstone, New York Times Special Features.

Q-Some years ago we had our kitchen faucet replaced with what was then considered a relatively new type. It is a faucet that has no washers-not one of those single-handle faucets but one that has two separate knobs or handles, one for hot and one for cold. The cold water side of the faucet has recently developed a steady drip when you turn it off, so I naturally would like to fix this and stop the leak. I am at a loss as to how to fix this faucet-or even to know whether it can be fixed by a do-it-yourselfer. Must I buy a new faucet, or should I call a plumber to fix this one?

A-There is no reason you have to call a plumber, nor do you have to replace the faucet. Although washerless faucets do not have washers, they do have replaceable cartridges (some have a ball-type cartridge; others have a cylindrical cartridge). Drips and leaks can almost always be repaired by replacing the cartridge or ball. However, unlike washers, cartridges are not normally interchangeable between different brands. You have to replace the old one with a matching unit made by the same manufacturer. If you can`t find the name of the manufacturer, it is best to take the old one out and take it to the dealer when shopping for a new one. After shutting off the water under the sink, remove the handle or knob on the faucet, then unscrew the large nut or ring that sits on top of the cartridge. Grasp the cartridge by the stem and pull it straight up and out. Take the old cartridge with you to make sure you buy a new one that will match. (as a rule, directions come with the new cartridge).

Q-We have just completed the building of a 12-by-20-foot room that was added onto the back of our house. This room has ceramic tile floors, and even after adding cloth vertical blinds and installing the furniture the room still echoes.

A-Sounds echo in a room when there are many hard, flat surfaces from which sound waves can be reflected. To prevent this, the more soft and resilient materials you can install on the walls and floors, the better. Putting carpet down would be the most effective measure, but even a few throw rugs would help. Heavy draperies or curtains on the windows would also help, expecially if there are several windows. Also, the more upholstered furniture in the room the better, especially large sofas and bulky pillows. Bookcases on the walls or next to the walls will further help absorb echoes, but probably the most effective of all measures would be to cover the ceiling-and possibly the walls-with acoustical (sound absorbent) panels or tiles.

Q-Our asphalt shingle roof has dark streaks of mildew on it, even though there are no overhanging trees that keep it shaded. When we had mildew on the siding we scrubbed it off with a mixture of bleach and water. Will this method loosen the granules on the shingles, and what can we do to prevent the mildew from returning?

A-Washing with a solution of laundry bleach and water is an effective method for removing mildew from roof shingles, as well as from siding. However, you don`t have to scrub it on. Just mop it on and let it dry on the surface, then flush off with lots of water. This will not loosen the granules to any degree. As far as prevention is concerned, there is really not too much you can do to prevent it on the roof, because you say there are no shade trees that need trimming. However, when a new roof is needed you can buy shingles that are mildew-resistant.

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Have a question about home repair problems? Write to Bernard Gladstone in care of Know-how, The Chicago Tribune, 435 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, Ill. 60611. Questions of general interest will be answered in future columns. Sorry, letters cannot be answered personally.